Boarding Advice, please

[KAYEF]

I would appreciate your current advice. Once, flying just from Portland to Seattle (a 25 minute flight) for a repositioning cruise on the "O" we got to the airport at 6 a.m. yet almost missed the ship due to delayed planes and fog.:( Boarding was SUPER because everyone else was already aboard.:)
Boarding for Alaska in Seattle last summer.............got on about 1:30 and again, walked right on...........no lines.
Going onto Veendam last Nov. we got to the ship about Noon and it was not pleasant..............lines, lines, lines.
In eleven days, we again board Veendam in Vancouver (here we come, Alaska) and I'm wondering what's the BEST TIME for avoiding lines. We will be staying the night before in a hotel we can walk from.........will 11:30 be packed?:confused:
Who has a time that "always works" for them?
On eight cruises, we've tried many things.
Thanks for your clues to a smoother boarding..........I know we will have Customs to deal with.

[cruisequeen10]

We were on the Zuiderdam to Alaska July 8-15. Because we live here, we arrived at the terminal at 10:30 a.m. The security lines opened at 11:15 a.m. and once through and processed we were boarding the ship at 11:45 a.m. Of course there was a lineup, but there were 2 ships in that day. We were wisked right away to the Lido for lunch, as our cabins weren't ready yet. Had lunch, then at 1:15 p.m. were able to access our cabin.

[RuthC]

I had a recent embarkation on the Volendam in Vancouver on a Wednesday. One other ship was in port, I believe.

I headed over from the Fairmont Waterfront (using the underground passage) about 11:30. It was a long walk from one end of Canada Place to the other, going through security and US Immigration on the way, but there were no lines at either.
Then to the inner sanctum to check in. There was a short line that moved quickly. (I had completed all my forms in advance, and had express check-in.) Then a long walk back the other way to the gangway.

I can complain about the length of walk, but I can't complain at all about waiting in lines.

[hammybee]

I have a tendency to be a late boarder even when I am able to board earlier. I have a real thing about waiting in lines. So we usually shoot for a few hours before departure and avoid lines and are allowed to proceed directly to our cabin and then of course, like everyone else, to the Lido to put on the first, of too many feedbags.

The traffic in the LIDO is often less at this time too becasue the earlier boarders are busy unpacking.

It works for us.

[Aussie Gal]

We have always boarded around 11.30am and have usually managed to avoid the busloads of passengers being ferried by HAL.

This year could be a little different and I also need advice on what time to board. We are boarding in Vancouver and there will be 6 ships in port.

What time would you suggest we get ourselves down to the ship. We like to board early and enjoy the ship by ourselves before everyone is on. Would it be best if we arrive around 11am or do you think that would be too early?

Jennie

[KAYEF]

We'd like to get on, get rid of the luggage and see the ship before it's loaded with people as well. The problem with getting back off and doing more around Canada Place is.....................Customs again when you reboard, so another extra line.
Whatever, we'll survive!!:)
There are always lots of ships in Vancouver; it's a short season. They aren't all at Canada Place, however.
We've always had glorious sun there.

[RuthC]

Jennie, I can't believe there will be six ships at Canada Place at the same time:eek: . Perhaps a couple of them will be at Ballentyne Pier? (hope I spelled that right; it's been a long time since I sailed from there.)
Is it also possible that one (or more) is arriving on a re-positioning later in the day? You know, a very few people off/on, then head out again? :confused:

Knowing that you like to board early, I would suggest you do that. Wait until the disembarking passengers have left the area, then head on in.

Where are you staying the night before? If it's at Canada Place (the Pan Pacific) or Fairmont Waterfront you can get an idea of when to head down to check-in by looking around you and getting a "feel" for how it's going.

[Atomica]

I always get to Canada Place around 11am - I like to be onboard as early as possible!

Aussie Gal, I have sympathy for you - it's going to be a busy day! Now, it will be 4 ships at Canada Place at once - the 5th, the NCL Star, won't be arriving until 5pm. The 6th, the Serenade of the Seas, will be over at Ballantyne pier.

Last year when I boarded the Veendam for the first leg of the same cruise, there were 4 ships in port: two HAL, two NCL. For the most part, the two lines were separate, but it was very busy once passengers got through security & immigration. I'd say the whole process took 70-80 minutes or so from the time I got to Canada Place until I was onboard.

Once through, passengers were given a number and were called to check-in according to that number, which kept things orderly for the most part. However, the Ryndam was leaving at 2pm that day, so there was pretty much 1,200 people trying to check in for that ship all at once.

As I say though, it was pretty orderly. The best advice I can give you is to get there right at 11!

Best of luck!

[Aussie Gal]

Hi Ruth,

One of the posters on this Board alerted me to the 6 ships and I looked them up. Here they are: Ryndam, Serenade of the Seas, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, Dawn Princess and of course our ship the Veendam.

I guess it is the end of the Alaskan season and they will all be going south.

We are staying at the Wedgewood Hotel which is in the city but I believe it is a beautiful boutique hotel and spending our couple of days there.

Atomica,

Thanks for all your good advice. We will definitely be there at 11am. Can't wait. Am now having to rethink all our packing as I usually carry my toiletries, shampoos etc in my carry on luggage. I will be cancelling out that now and we will be bringing another suitcase instead

Jennie